Ethiopian Airlines, Visa Expand Partnership to Boost Co-Branded Card Offerings

Addis Ababa, April 29, 2026 —Ethiopian Airlines and Visa have signed a new agreement aimed at strengthening their collaboration and expanding the reach of co-branded payment products.

According to a statement from Ethiopian Airlines, the agreement builds on a long-standing relationship between the two organizations and is designed to enhance the payment experience for travelers while supporting the airline’s broader growth strategy.

Through the partnership, both companies will work to increase the adoption and usage of co-branded Visa cards, offering customers more seamless, secure, and rewarding payment options for travel and everyday purchases.

 

The initiative will also focus on deepening customer engagement, promoting digital payments, and supporting Ethiopian Airlines’ expanding global footprint.

“Travel and payments are intrinsically linked, and this collaboration reflects our shared commitment to simplifying how customers pay and travel,” said Yared Endale, Cluster Head for Eastern Africa at Visa.

“By deepening our relationship with Ethiopian Airlines, we are supporting the evolution of digital payments while delivering greater value, convenience, and choice to travelers across the region,” he further noted.

The partnership will also include joint marketing initiatives and innovation efforts aimed at improving the end-to-end travel experience—from booking and payments to loyalty programs and customer engagement.

 

 Visa’s global payment network and technology are expected to facilitate secure and reliable cross-border transactions, supporting both local and international travel.

Ethiopian Airlines Group Vice President of Marketing, Rahel Assefa, emphasized the airline’s focus on customer convenience.

“At Ethiopian, we continuously strive to provide our passengers with a seamless range of options to access and enjoy our services. Our collaboration with Visa aims to further enhance payment options and improve convenience at every stage of the journey,” she said.

 

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline group, operates an extensive network connecting the continent to major destinations worldwide.

 The strengthened partnership underscores a shared vision to support Africa’s aviation sector, enhance customer experience, and accelerate the shift toward digital payments.

The agreement also aligns with Visa’s broader commitment to working with airlines, merchants, and financial institutions to deliver secure, innovative, and inclusive payment solutions that drive commerce and enable cross-border travel across Africa ENA learned.